Bri Alvarez, a proud California native, moved to Chicago as a single parent to pursue higher education at UIC and create a better future for herself and her child. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in media communications, a foundation that fuels her passion for equity, community, and youth empowerment. Alvarez has dedicated her life’s work to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of disenfranchised urban communities, using her lived experiences and education to drive real change.

Currently serving as an associate dean at The Noble Academy, Alvarez leads with empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to student success. Her work extends beyond the classroom through Bridge’z Inc., a nonprofit organization she founded to support at-risk youth with mentorship, academic support, and sports training. Alvarez’s mission is clear: to be a force for transformative change in the lives of youth who need it most.

Carla Oshima is a social butterfly. She is driven by bringing people joy and finding ways to enrich other people’s lives. Oshima is very happy when she is outside taking a walk with a good friend for a good chat, or her dog, Chapo.

Building community is one of Oshima’s greatest strengths. She will make sure that everyone feels included because she believes that everyone’s voice should be heard. From being a voice for those who can’t use theirs to encouraging others to stand up for what they believe, Oshima sees the value in people’s perspectives.

She works hard on everything she does. The fun is important, but when excellent work needs to get done, she is the person you want on your team.

Christina Seaton is a passionate school social worker whose heart and commitment shine in all she does. Currently residing on the South Side, Seaton has deeply rooted connections to the communities she serves. Equipped with master’s degrees in both social work and educational leadership, she brings thoughtful insight and unwavering dedication to her work. Seaton has been supporting school communities since 2012.

She began her journey at Noble Schools in 2018 at Golder College Prep, transitioning to Hansberry College Prep in 2025. Seaton’s approach combines empathy, resilience, and creativity, consistently empowering young people to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal and academic success.

Outside her professional sphere, Seaton finds joy and fulfillment in family life. She is a loving wife, mother, and dog mom. She’s passionate about travel and good food. Each day, Seaton strives to make a positive difference, hoping her dedication inspires lasting growth and transformation.

A proud Chicago-native (Albany Park) and half Jamaican, Corey Fayne prides himself in his capacity to lead passionately and discerningly, catalyzing scholars’ pursuit of excellence through coaching, mentoring, professional/student collaboration, and inquiry. He grounds his work in radical education, especially in improving the high school experience for Black and Brown scholars whose ambitions propel them to carry a collective legacy of impactful change, choice, shared power, and mobility.

Outside his passion for education, he also loves animals, all things culture (e.g., music, dance, singing, languages, food), traveling, hiking, exercising, rollercoasters, horror movies, and bringing friends and family together by hosting barbecue get-togethers at his house. He has a ferret named Saoirse (sounds like “Sur-sha” or “Seer-sha”) and considers himself an unofficial dog whisperer.

Curtis Melton is a culture specialist at Johnson College Prep in Chicago, where he leads initiatives focused on student culture, engagement, and restorative practices. With several years of experience in education and youth development, he is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments that promote accountability, growth, and belonging. In addition to his work in school culture, Melton serves as the junior varsity basketball coach.

He is also the founder of Out West Native, a lifestyle brand that blends fashion and cultural storytelling to uplift underrepresented voices and celebrate community identity. Melton is currently completing his degree in business communication at Southern New Hampshire University.

Dana La Rue was raised on the South Side of Chicago before moving to the suburbs in eighth grade. That transition quickly made her aware of disparities in educational and extracurricular programming between schools in different areas. For La Rue, school was always a safe space where she thrived both academically and personally. During her junior year of high school, she joined the track and field team—a life-changing experience that led to a full-ride scholarship to Western Illinois University.

There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This spring, La Rue graduated with her master’s degree in school counseling. She is committed to advocating for systems, programs, and opportunities that promote student achievement, well-being, and post-secondary success.

Outside of her professional work, La Rue is a proud mother to two daughters, Londyn (5) and Madison (10 months). In her spare time, she enjoys music, cooking, and spending time with family.

Darius Yorel Nix, best known as Dee Nix, is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and former 2021 candidate for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. Born in Chicago’s Abla Projects to teenage parents, Nix overcame poverty and systemic barriers to become a passionate leader in education and civic service for 20 years, committed to equity and empowerment for underserved communities.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Roosevelt University and a Master of Business Administration focused on educational leadership from Keller Graduate School. He completed Yale University’s RULER program on emotional intelligence and is a fellow of both Black Bench Chicago and the Teacher Action Team. Nix has served in schools across Chicago, New York, and North Carolina.

He currently teaches multicultural studies and serves as the 10th-grade level lead. He is also the founder and CEO of Friends in the City Foundation.

Donavan Rosa was born and raised in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was a founding graduate of Pritzker College Prep’s class of 2010. While earning his bachelor’s degree at Knox College, he participated as a youth mentor at the Knox County Teen Court.

As a first-generation college student, he understands the importance of a strong post-secondary education and taking advantage of opportunities. Rosa brings this philosophy to his work as a college counselor at the same high school that helped shape his academic identity. He works hard to help students find their voice and develop their visions for the future, and takes pride in celebrating their successes.

Outside of his professional ventures, Rosa enjoys photography, supporting local musicians at concerts, frequenting art shows, and watching boxing matches. He loves spending time with his family and dog, Gizmo.

Durrell Grove is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience working in urban education. A proud product of the inner city of Chicago, he is the first in his family to graduate from college—an achievement that shaped his lifelong commitment to education and social equity. As a Black man who understands the transformative power of opportunity and representation, he has spent his career uplifting Black and Brown students and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Currently serving as a 12th-grade ethnic studies instructor and 11th-grade level lead, Grove brings cultural relevance, academic rigor, and heart to every classroom and leadership role. His teaching is rooted in truth, justice, and the belief that every student—regardless of their zip code—deserves a future filled with choice, power, and possibility.

Elisha Simon is a proud South Side Chicagoan from the Auburn Gresham neighborhood and a first-generation college graduate with over a decade of experience in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in sociology and a certificate in African diaspora studies from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, followed by a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Roosevelt University. She is currently a Master of Education candidate with a concentration in educational research.

Simon began her career in 2015 as an AmeriCorps College Advisor with the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she committed herself to expanding college access for historically underserved students. Since then, she has held a wide range of impactful roles, including preschool teacher, 12th-grade postsecondary counselor, and more.

This fall, Simon will begin teaching 12th-grade African American and Latinx studies, bringing her passion for culturally responsive, justice-centered education into the classroom. Throughout her work, she continues to create spaces where students are seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.

Born and raised in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood, Gage Park, Jasmin Delgado was a founding class member at DRW College Prep, where she experienced the power of rigorous academics paired with unwavering support. A first-generation college graduate from Washington University in St. Louis, Delgado has turned a personal milestone into a professional mission.

Her journey, from Noble student to educator, fuels her belief that, with the right support and encouragement, every student can succeed. Delgado is committed to creating inclusive, affirming learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. She knows that representation matters: when students see educators who reflect their lived experiences, it broadens their sense of possibility. In her classroom, diverse voices are honored, and each student’s potential is not only recognized but nurtured.

Keena Preston is a graduate of Roosevelt University, where she earned her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management. She was honored as the 2025 Dean F. Eitel Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year by the American Society for Public Administration – Greater Chicago Chapter. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in community health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Keena currently serves as an alumni success coach, supporting students and alumni from Butler College Prep in navigating their postsecondary journeys. In this role, she works to expand college access, improve retention, and strengthen long-term outcomes for first-generation and historically underrepresented students.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and finds joy in traveling, exploring new cultures, taking long walks with her dog, and curating meaningful experiences. Whether in her work or her travels, Keena leads with a strategic mindset, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to equity.

Maisia Reid is an alumni counselor at Hansberry College Prep. She is a proud CPS graduate from King College Prep and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She earned her master’s degree in health education and promotion from Walden University. She is committed to cultivating healthy, well-rounded youth into young adults.

Reid’s background blends counseling, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity. She believes in the power of education as a pathway to opportunity and justice. She’s passionate about helping students, especially first-gen and underrepresented youth, figure out their path after high school.

Melvin Richardson is a forensic science teacher at Butler College Prep, now entering his 13th year of teaching high school. He also serves as the assistant coach for both varsity girls and boys volleyball, National Honor Society advisor, and senior advisor.

Richardson began his teaching career in New Orleans, Louisiana, working with underserved students in both rural and urban communities, before moving to Chicago to continue his work in education.

He creates space for students to explore forensic science—especially the complex topics of death, evidence, and justice—through a new lens that connects science to the real world and their lived experiences. Through rigorous instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations, Richardson empowers students to think critically, question deeply, and discover their own potential.

Quinton Bonds is an experienced educator and dean of students at DRW College Prep. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Quinton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and counseling.

His journey in education began as an admissions counselor for the University of Minnesota and then as a high school college & career counselor. Prior to joining Noble, Bonds served in a leadership role at Patrick Henry High School and then worked full-time as a therapist and program manager supporting adolescents and their families in Minneapolis.

At DRW, Bonds brings a student-centered approach to his work, supporting scholars academically, socially, and emotionally as they navigate high school. He is passionate about removing barriers to success by fostering strong relationships, championing mental health awareness, and building inclusive school cultures. Outside of school, Bonds has always enjoyed mentoring students as a step coach and continues to view his work as a service to youth and their families.

Raeven Funnye, a proud South Side native, is a graduate of Gary Comer College Prep and Jackson State University, where she studied health care administration and deepened her passion for dance and social justice. Now serving as an assistant dean of students at her Noble campus, Raeven centers her work on equity, student advocacy, and the transformative power of exposure.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Education with a focus on equity-centered leadership at Tulane University. Funnye is committed to empowering students of color through intentional community building and culturally responsive leadership.

Roy Jaime is a dynamic 26-year-old humanities teacher, passionately guiding his students through the exploration of diverse perspectives and cultures. A proud first-generation Mexican from Chicago, Roy is the son of immigrant parents and takes immense pride in being the first in his entire family to graduate from high school and college, and now to pursue a master’s degree while building a salaried career. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in English, where he specialized in race, indigeneity, gender, and sexuality. He also double-minored in Latino studies and Spanish.

Currently, Jaime is working toward his master’s degree and teaching certification at Moreland University, with a concentration in teaching multilingual learners. He is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

On a personal note, Jaime is a Taurus born on May 5th, sharing a birthday with Chris Brown. He is enthusiastic about collaboration and is always eager to learn and grow alongside his students and colleagues.

Shatara McDonald is a passionate educator and emerging instructional leader committed to educational equity and student success. She is a 2020 graduate of Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in African-American Studies.

McDonald is a 2025 Golden Apple Accelerator and a licensed Learning Behavior Specialist, known for her culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, and data-driven instruction. At Johnson College Prep, she fosters inclusive classrooms, social-emotional growth, and equity-centered leadership not only for her 9th-grade biology students but also across the school community.

Outside of the classroom, McDonald is a proud mother of two and a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Psi Chi Honor Society, and a charter member of the National Council of Negro Women. She is also a foodie and music enthusiast!

Tatyana Hyde is a proud 2017 Noble alum. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University. Professionally driven and personally vibrant, Hyde is known for her dedication, authenticity, and strong work ethic. She balances her career ambitions with her role as a loving dog mom, always finding joy in the little moments with her furry companion.

Outside of her professional life, she is a self-proclaimed fashionista with an eye for style and creativity, often seen curating trendy looks or exploring fashion-forward ideas in her downtime. Hyde brings both warmth and confidence into any space she enters, thriving in environments that value growth, innovation, and community.

Tyrrell Thermezi is a proud Haitian American who grew up in Fort Lauderdale and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. Driven by a call to serve and to fund his graduate studies, he joined the U.S. Army in 2022, where he works in the medical corps as a patient administration specialist and combat medic.

While on active duty, he relocated to Dallas, where he finished a master’s degree in leadership and organization development. Thermezi’s passion for equitable schools led him to Chicago Bulls College Prep, where he brings a blend of restorative practices and data-driven decision-making.

When he isn’t coaching students or teammates, he can be found in the kitchen perfecting soul food and Caribbean dishes that honor his Haitian roots. Thermezi’s long-term goal is to become a principal who nurtures belonging and academic excellence, and he sees his role at Noble as the next pivotal step on that journey.

As the office manager at UIC College Prep, Vanessa Garcia is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students, caregivers, and staff alike. With a background rooted in serving her community, she is passionate about being a reliable point of contact who helps bridge connections between caregivers and the school. Garcia’s goal has always been to give back to her community and make sure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Outside of work, she’s a proud cat mom who loves to spend time in her garden, bake delicious treats, and get lost in a good book. Looking forward, she aspires to continue building strong relationships within her school community, helping students thrive and families stay informed and connected.

Veronica Xochtil Armendariz is an Algebra 1 teacher and advisor at UIC College Prep. With over a decade of experience in education, she specializes in curriculum development, educational technology, and standards-based grading.

Armendariz’s passion for teaching began in high school and was fostered through her involvement with the Posse Foundation and Golden Apple Scholars. She earned her degree in educational studies from Trinity College, with a focus on educational policy and data visualization.

While at Trinity, she worked as a tutor, teaching assistant, and research assistant in the educational studies department. Before joining UIC College Prep, Veronica spent nine years at another Noble campus, serving as a paraprofessional, advisor, assistant debate coach, and Algebra 1 teacher. Armendariz is committed to fostering equity, rigor, and meaningful learning experiences in her classroom, using data-driven strategies to support student growth and success.